Tax Savings Secrets: How Cost Segregation Analysis Can Save You Money

This blog post has been researched, edited, and approved by John Hanning and Brian Wages. Join our newsletter below.

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Capital Club Podcast | John Hanning

How can cost segregation analysis help real estate investors maximize their returns? In this episode, John Hanning explores the potential benefits of cost recovery studies and depreciation. From bonus depreciation to different recovery periods for real property, personal property, and land improvements, John explains how cost segregation can accelerate tax deductions for real estate owners. He outlines the best time to engage a firm to study an existing or newly constructed property and the typical cost and timeline. Tune in now for expert advice on cost segregation and other money-saving strategies!


John is STG's Fixed Assets / Cost Segregation / Accounting Methods Principal. Over the past 15 years as a Fixed Assets specialist, John has been responsible for the business development efforts for fixed asset services, including new client identification, proposals, and client deliverables. He has led and executed cost recovery studies on more than 5000 facilities, including; healthcare, retail, manufacturing, commercial office, multi-family, power generation, and dealerships.


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2024 Tax Guide

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July 14, 2025
Changing your accounting method can unlock massive tax savings, but only if you file Form 3115 correctly. This IRS form lets you switch from your current depreciation method to reflect the results of a later cost segregation, potentially saving you tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars on your taxes. Here's exactly how to do it right. What Exactly Is Form 3115 and Why Does It Matter? Form 3115 is the IRS's "Application for Change in Accounting Method." Think of it as your official request to change how you depreciate business assets, especially when you want to implement cost segregation studies on your previously acquired properties. Here's why this matters: When you originally filed your taxes, you probably depreciated your entire building over 27.5 years (residential) or 39 years (commercial). But with cost segregation, you can reclassify portions of that building into 5, 7, and 15-year property categories, dramatically accelerating your depreciation. The numbers speak for themselves. A cost segregation study on a $13.5 million retail shopping center purchased in 2021 generated $1,168,876 in tax savings in the first year alone. That's the power of properly executed accounting method changes.
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